International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Technology (IJARET), ISSN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADVANCED RESEARCH IN 0976 6480(Print),

, ISSN 0976 6499(Online) Volume 4, Issue 3, April (2013), IAEME ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (IJARET)

ISSN 0976 - 6480 (Print) ISSN 0976 - 6499 (Online) Volume 4, Issue 3, April 2013, pp. 316-324 IAEME: www.iaeme.com/ijaret.asp Journal Impact Factor (2013): 5.8376 (Calculated by GISI) www.jifactor.com

IJARET
IAEME

LOW ENERGY CONSUMPTION HVAC SYSTEMS FOR GREEN BUILDINGS USING CHILLED BEAM TECHNOLOGY
Syed Moazzam Ali Technical Director, Taiba Engineering Consultants Dr.Balu Naik Banoth Professor JNTUH ABSTRACT: The movement toward sustainable building designs is being driven largely by environmentally-sensitive building owners and/or their prospective tenants. There are also heightened concerns about assuring a proper indoor environment at all times and conditions for the building occupants. In addition to providing temperature control, a fully effective HVAC system must also address many other indoor environmental issues that affect occupant comfort, productivity and health such as ventilation air, air distribution, humidity control, noise levels, etc. As these owners and their consultants weigh their HVAC system alternatives, they often find that chilled beam systems are the ideal "green" solution for many buildings. There is also a persuasive overall comfort and economic argument for the use of active chilled beam systems over other of the more conventional systems choices. While relatively new in India, chilled beam systems are proven and are successfully being used in Europe since a decade. The chilled beam system promotes excellent thermal comfort, energy conservation and efficient use of space due to the high heat capacity of water used as heat transfer medium. It is an energy efficient HVAC technology which works on dry cooling principle. Chilled beams system would be examined which would show energy conservation and has potential to save 30-40% HVAC energy consumption to a conventional Air conditioned Building case. The simulation results would be encouraging, and they would confirm the advantage of the application of these Chilled beams system cooling strategies. 1.0 INTRODUCTION Chilled beam systems are used mostly in the nonresidential buildings. These are commercial buildings, offices, hotels, banks, universities, schools and hospitals. Typical applications are cellular and open plans offices, hotel rooms, hospital wards, retail shops, bank halls etc Chilled beam systems are primarily used for cooling, heating and ventilating spaces, where good indoor environmental quality and individual space control are appreciated. These systems are 316

International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Technology (IJARET), ISSN 0976 6480(Print), ISSN 0976 6499(Online) Volume 4, Issue 3, April (2013), IAEME dedicated outdoor air systems meant to be applied primarily in spaces where internal humidity loads are moderate. 2.0 OVERVIEW OF CHILLED BEAMS A cooled element or cooling coil situated in, above or under a ceiling which cools convectively using natural or induced air flows. The cooling medium is usually water. There are two basic types of chilled beams: active and passive. 2.1 Active chilled beams (ACB) uses a pre-cooled (and dehumidified) primary air using chilled water in a quantity needed to meet the room latent load and ensure good air quality for the occupied area. The cooled and dehumidified primary air absorbs the space latent load; ensuring the chilled beam coil operating without condensation. The chilled beam then cools or heats the induced air to meet the room sensible load and react to the room thermostat requirements. Active chilled beams operate using the induction process. During induction, the primary air discharges under pressure through nozzles located within the device. This high velocity incoming primary air creates a negative pressure in the inlet portion of the beam thereby inducing room air through the beam coil where it mixes with the cold primary air. This mixed air is then discharged through the outlet slot of the beam into the room, resulting in a total airflow quantity 3 to 4 times greater than the primary airflow. We refer to this ratio of total air to primary air as the induction ratio. A convector with integrated air supply where primary air, induced air or primary air plus induced air passing through the cooling coils. The cooling medium in the coil is water. 2.2 Passive chilled beams (PCB) work using natural convection. Air cooled by the coil inside the beam becomes denser than the surrounding room air and therefore flows downward into the room. The difference in density combined with the height of the beam induces room air down through the beam coil. Thus passive beams mainly provide a downward airflow in the room. This downward flow induces air from the room upward to the ceiling level and then through the beam coil. Unlike an active chilled beam, the passive chilled beam delivers treated primary ventilation air directly to the space and not through the chilled beam. Nevertheless, like the active chilled beam, this ventilation air must be sufficiently dehumidified to meet the entire latent room load. To avoid drafts in spaces with low ceilings do not locate passive beams above workstations with sedentary occupants. Both remixing and displacement terminal devices provide good comfort in the room in combination with passive beams. The cooled element or cooling coil fixed in, above or under a ceiling fitted with a cooling coil mainly convectively using natural airflows. The cooling medium is usually water Chilled Beams offer a quiet indoor air free from draught. In a typical Chilled beam, the air is cooled by means of supplying chilled water and the supply of air flow rate is dimensioned to meet the indoor air quality requirements. 2.3 Advantages of chilled beam systems over conventional designs Chilled beam systems are suitable for use in high sensible cooling load applications or where individual temperature control is required. Compared with a system where the cooling duty is supplied entirely by air (all-air systems), a chilled beam system reduces the fan power requirements and space needed for air- handling plant equipment and ducting. TABLE - 1
S.No 1 2 3 4 SYSTEM FCU (Fan Coil Unit) VAV (Variable Air Volume) VRF (Variable Refrigerant Volume) Chilled Beam Energy Medium / High Low/Medium Medium / High Low Noise Medium Low/Medium Medium Low Output (w/m) 100-200 100-200 150-200 100-300

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International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Technology (IJARET), ISSN 0976 6480(Print), ISSN 0976 6499(Online) Volume 4, Issue 3, April (2013), IAEME 2.4 Chilled beam systems have the following advantages: Fan Energy Savings: In general the design intent is for the central system to circulate only the amount of air needed for ventilation and latent load purposes, with the active chilled beams providing the additional air movement and sensible cooling and/or heating required through the induced room air and secondary water coil. In this manner the amount of primary air circulated by the central system is dramatically reduced (often 60-70% less than conventional "all air" systems). Essentially active chilled beams transfer a large portion of the cooling and heating loads from the less efficient air distribution system (fans and ductwork) to the more efficient water distribution system (pumps and piping). The net result of this shift in loads with active chilled beam systems is lower energy consumption and operating costs. Fans are the largest consumer of energy in most commercial buildings. With active chilled beam systems the fan energy is dramatically reduced due to the relatively small amount and low pressure of the primary air being circulated by the central system. Chiller Energy Savings: While the size of the chiller in an active chilled beam system would normally be the same as that needed in a conventional "all air" system, its effective hours of operation (or loading) could be significantly less if the system employs a water-side economizer to serve the Active Chilled Beams. This is due to the relatively warmer secondary water temperatures (typically 56 58 F) used by the Active Chilled Beams which allows the cooling load to be satisfied for more hours using the water-side economizer. Also, if separate chillers are serving the central air handlers and the active chilled beams, the COP of the chiller serving the Active Chilled Beams would also be much higher due to the relatively warmer water temperatures used by the Active Chilled Beams. Heating Energy Savings: As the Active Chilled Beams normally provide sufficient heating capacities at relatively moderate hot water temperatures (110 130 F) there is also an opportunity to maximize the efficiency of condensing boilers through the relatively low water temperatures being returned to the boilers. With the relatively low water temperatures required, using geothermal heat pumps to satisfy the heating loads is also practical. Excellent Indoor Air Quality and Odour Control The full ventilation air requirements are delivered to the zones at all times and at all load conditions. Superior Humidity Control: Humidity control at all sensible load conditions are also assured as the constant volume primary air is delivered with the proper moisture content to satisfy the latent loads. Excellent Air Movement and Uniform Air Temperatures: Improved comfort through excellent air movement and uniform air temperatures throughout the room, with little concern about potential drafts and dumping at part load conditions. As the airflow and resulting air movement is constant at all load conditions and the induced room air is typically 3-4 times the amount of primary air, the temperature of the mixed air being continuously discharged into the room is generally more moderate than with conventional systems. Other factors positively affecting the overall building costs when using active chilled beam systems include: There are no electrical line power connections to the active chilled beams which can significantly reduce electrical wiring installation costs. In some cases this can result in reducing the overall electrical infrastructure in the building due to greatly reduced fan power requirements.

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International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Technology (IJARET), ISSN 0976 6480(Print), ISSN 0976 6499(Online) Volume 4, Issue 3, April (2013), IAEME Very Low Noise Levels When the active chilled beams are sized at the typical inlet static pressures of 0.5" w.c. or less, very low noise levels are achieved as the new technology nozzles are whisper quiet and there is no terminal unit fan or motor in or near the occupied spaces.

a) Decouples ventilation load from room sensible + latent loads resulting in better temperature control and fan energy savings. b) Typical supply air temperature is 64-66 F exiting the chilled beam maximizing occupant comfort. Conventional systems deliver cold air at 55 F with the potential of creating drafts if poor mixing occurs c) Reduced plenum space required (units are ~12 tall), good for retrofit applications d) Some units incorporate fluorescent lighting fixtures and fire sprinkler heads. e) Some units offer directional air flow pattern control, optimizing comfort and preventing drafts f) Water moves energy through the building and is much more effective than air approximately 600 x heat transfer capacity (6oF vs 20oF T), But Still little quantity of ventilation air is needed. g) Chilled beams provide benefits in life cycle costs: Low maintenance cost, Good energy efficiency. h) Free cooling possible in cold and temperate climate i) Chilled beams system is a hygienic system j) No filters to be changed or cleaning of drain pans for condensate k) Easy cleaning of coils and surfaces, only once in every 5 years l) Chilled beams operate with a dry cooling coil m) No condensate collection system n) Primary air should be dehumidified in the air handling unit 2.5 Increased energy efficiency: Water-based systems transfer energy more efficiently than air-based systems. By transferring the heating and/or cooling load to water based system, energy requirements and operational costs may be significantly reduced. Reduced mechanical footprint: Water distribution systems are a fraction of the size of air distribution systems, reducing the ceiling space needed for the HVAC system and increasing available floor space. Lower maintenance costs: These systems are simple and efficient, with Low maintenance costs. Increased thermal comfort: These systems are very quiet and require significantly reduced air volumes, leading to a reduced risk of drafts. Improved indoor air quality: These systems do not require air to be recirculated throughout the building to achieve heating or cooling, and are typically coupled with 100% outside air systems Low energy consumption (passive beams in particular) Superior Comfort & Performance (passive beams in particular) Quiet, draft-free and thermally stable environment Part-radiation, part-convection heat transfer is more comfortable than all convection air system Self-adaptable output, Resistant to tampering and de-commissioning Health Once-through, no-recycling air system, No sick-building-syndrome, Humidity control Building design efficiency Small plant rooms and risers, Small ceiling space

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International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Technology (IJARET), ISSN 0976 6480(Print), ISSN 0976 6499(Online) Volume 4, Issue 3, April (2013), IAEME Chilled Beam system typical Design considerations for the chilled water and primary air a) Assume spaces with normal ceiling heights (9-10 ft), apply chilled beams in with cooling loads of 25-30 Btu/ft of floor area. This capacity limitation is primarily due to the maximum possible air velocity in the space. Cooling Capacity to avoid draughts in the occupied zone: Active chilled beams is typically 250 W/m (max 350 w/m), Passive chilled beams is 150 W/m (max250w/m), Cooling demand in the space typically less than 80W/floor-Sq.m (Max 120 W/floor-Sq.m) and Heating demand less than 40 W/floor-m2. b) Chilled beams uses warmer chilled water from the secondary side of the cooling plant (or from mixing of primary and secondary water) at an inlet temperature from 57-61 F to prevent condensation from occurring on the beam coil. This equates to a primary supply air temperature of approximately 65 F. c) Special humidity (condensation) sensors should be installed on the chilled beam coil that close the water control valve if the RH gets to 90% on the incoming chilled water pipe. Alternatively, use an atmospheric RH sensor in combination with an air temperature sensor to reset the supply water temperature upward closer to 60 F during conditions when condensation might occur. d) It is important for the DOAS system to adequately dehumidify the primary ventilation air such that it can absorb all of the latent loads in the zone. The DOAS leaving air temperature (LAT) should be in the 44-55 F dry bulb range with approximately 44-45 F dew point (DP) to ensure there is no condensation on the beam coil. The lower end of the ranges should be used when the zone latent loads are higher, such as conference rooms, school classrooms, etc. while the higher end of the range may be used in applications with low zone latent loads. e) Chilled beams offer a simple design process with superior final efficiency. Designing with chilled beams is very similar to conventional system design. Chilled beams available in the U.S. generally have a 3:1 induction (room air to ventilation, or primary, air) ratio, are capable of 100 to 200 CFM of primary air per 6 ft of beam, and provide from 4,000 Btuh to 8,000 Btuh of sensible cooling per 6 ft of beam. Airflow, cooling, and sound performance vary considerably by manufacturer. f) Chilled beams should be installed and placed correctly in the space. In general the Chilled Beam Width ranges from 0.3m to 0.6m, and lengths range from 0.6m to 3.0m. g) Active Chilled Beams recirculate room air through a unit-mounted coil, driven by ventilation air (primary air) with mixing ratios as high as 6:1 (discharge air to primary air). They have relatively shallow depth with clearance requirements generally less than 0.3m.

Figure 1 Positioning of Chilled Beams

2.7 Problems with Chilled Beam Air Conditioning Active chilled beams should not be considered a silver bullet in terms of addressing high sensible cooling requirements in all spaces. Certain spaces are well suited to chilled beam use, and others are not appropriate for this technology.

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International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Technology (IJARET), ISSN 0976 6480(Print), ISSN 0976 6499(Online) Volume 4, Issue 3, April (2013), IAEME Areas that may not be suitable for active chilled beams may include, but are not limited to: Large vestibules/atriums, latent load is difficult to control and could be addressed via other design strategies, High latent cooling requirements: kitchens, pools, locker rooms, spas, gymnasiums, etc. Cost: Slightly higher than conventional VAV system, mainly due to novelty factor Limited experience: Risk factor and potential litigations Vested interests: Contractors protecting investment in sheet metal shops, Consultants not rewarded for additional engineering and development. Technical: Duct leakage: unsuitable technologies cannot air-condition glasshouse with chilled beams: need efficient building envelopes, Noise from valves, Creative energy absorbed in energy modelling and ticking off rating system charts. 3.0 Design procedure: Selection of thermal environment load: Room air temperature (summer/winter) Selection of the indoor air quality level and air flow rate: Fresh air flow temperature, Infiltration through walls pressure, temperature, Relative humidity in the space, Primary air cooling coil temperature, Humidity balance Calculation of required cooling and heating capacity: Heat loads, Heat losses, Comfort conditions, cooling effect of primary air Adjustment of building design parameters: Decrease electrical load losses by better solar shading and improved window type Selection of chilled beam type: Active beam (exposed/integrated), Passive beam Selection of inlet water temperature: Temperature climate, Location of the building Selection of water temperature and air water flow rate: Temperature difference, Water flow rate Selection of water temperature and air water flow rate: Specific cooling capacity of beam, Specific primary air flow rate Noise level and system pressure loss calculation: Selection of room controls, Rom air temperature is controlled by modeling water flow rate, two port valves, and Air flow rate Air and water distribution system: Dehumidification of AHU, 3 port mixing valves in cooling pipe to keep the inlet water temperature in design value, Free cooling equipments in chiller 3.1 Duct Design and Working Static Pressures It is generally preferable to consider a low-velocity downstream ducting strategy. The main ducts may be sized as they would normally for offices at 1,200 fpm to 2,400 fpm (6 m/s to 12 m/s). Active chilled beam projects often are installed using round spiral downstream ducting. A good rule of thumb would be to restrict the branch ducting to less than 600 fpm (3 m/s). Typical operating static pressures range from 0.3 in. w.c. to 1.2 in. w.c. (75 Pa to 300 Pa) at the pressurization plenum of the beam. At 1 in. w.c. (250 Pa), the acoustic signature of a single active chilled beam in a typical room could be as low as 29.5 Dba. Supercharging beam applications by considering working static pressures between 0.75 in. w.c. to 1 in. w.c. (185 Pa to 250 Pa) is fundamentally a sound approach from an optimization perspective in terms of first costs 3.2 Beam Placement and Room Air Distribution Average room air velocity is 30 fpm [0.15m/s]. Air discharge temperature from ACBs range between 64F to 66F (18C to 19C). 3.3 Installation Operating weight is approximately 15 lb/ft (6.8 kg/m) for 2 ft (600 mm) wide, double deflection units. Hanging a beam from the structure is through four adjustable hanging brackets that can be fastened to the concrete under floor via threaded rod or aircraft cable.

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International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Technology (IJARET), ISSN 0976 6480(Print), ISSN 0976 6499(Online) Volume 4, Issue 3, April (2013), IAEME 3.4 Water-Side Control Chilled water temperatures for ACB loops range between 55F to 61F (12.7C to 16.1C) although the space design conditions and the minimum ventilation rates dictate that the beams receive 59F to 61F (15C to 16.1C) The separation between the secondary chilled water supply temperature, and both the dew point of the primary air and dew-point design of the space, is the technique used to prevent condensation on the beam-mounted cooling coil 3.5 Air-Side Control Discharge air from the DOAS is used to dehumidify the space. It is often quite common to service the makeup air unit with 45F (7.2C) chilled water. As such, 51F to 52F (10.6C to 11.1C) dew-point temperatures supplied to the occupied zone are relatively easy to achieve in many areas of the country by slightly oversizing the evaporator coils. Coil face velocities less than 400 fpm (2 m/s) increases the coil residence time and lowers the overall fan static pressure to further decrease system operating costs. Duct discharge temperature of 54F to 55F (12.2C to 12.7C). 4.0 CASE STUDY ON MODELLING CHILLED BEAM SYSTEM IN HAP LOCATION: HYDERABAD, ANDHRA PRADESH, INDIA. CLIMATE: Tropical Climate Temperature: 106 F, Humidity: 80%, Latitude: 17.5, Longitude: 78.5 Summer Dry Bulb 106 F, Summer Wet Bulb 78 F, Winter Dry Bulb 55 F, Summer Daily Range 14 F Room design set point of 75 F/50% RH (~ 55 F DP) Cooling coil LAT 55 F. 4.1 Design Considerations: Primary air from DOAS unit enters beam @ 44-55 F Resulting supply air to room @ 64-66 F Chilled beam system is a 4-pipe cooling & heating system with cooling and heating provided in the beam. Terminal Units are selected as the Equipment Type and 4-pipe Fan Coil as the System Type. "Common Ventilation System" is HAP's term for the DOAS unit. The chilled water plant for chilled beam systems needs to operate at two supply water temperatures. The DOAS needs to receive cold water at a supply temperature like 44 F in order to condense sufficient moisture out of the outdoor air stream to handle the space latent load.

Figure 2 Active Chilled Beam for the case study. Drawing is prepared using RevitMEP 322

International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Technology (IJARET), ISSN 0976 6480(Print), ISSN 0976 6499(Online) Volume 4, Issue 3, April (2013), IAEME Figure 3 Active Chilled Beam Isometric Layout for the case study. Drawing is prepared using RevitMEP

Floor Areas and Window-to-Wall Ratios Proposed Design Total Conditioned Floor Area (ft) Total Floor Area (ft) Window to Wall Ratio Gross Wall Area (ft) Vertical Window Area (ft) 1,485 1,485 6% 1,919 118

Baseline 1,485 1,485 6% 1,919 118

Performance Rating Table - Performance Rating Method Compliance Proposed Design Proposed Energy Proposed Building Percent Type Design Units Results Savings Electric Energy kWh 8,363 91 % Demand kW 1.0 92 % Electric Energy kWh 33,661 33 % Demand kW 6.7 22 % Electric Energy kWh 8545 -10 % Demand kW 1.1 -10 % Electric Energy kWh 10,742 22 % Demand kW 1.2 22 % Proposed Total Energy 276,919 58 % Use (kBTU) Proposed Annual Process Energy (kBTU) 34,926 0%

End Use Space Heating Space Cooling Pumps Heat Rejection Energy Totals

Proce ss

Baseline Baseline Building Building Units Results No Energy kWh 98,127 Demand kW 11.7 No Energy kWh 50,115 Demand kW 8.5 No Energy kWh 7,768 Demand kW 1.0 No Energy kWh 13,719 Demand kW 1.6 Baseline Total 654,558 Energy Use (kBTU) Baseline Annual Process Energy 34,926 (kBTU)

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International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Technology (IJARET), ISSN 0976 6480(Print), ISSN 0976 6499(Online) Volume 4, Issue 3, April (2013), IAEME Energy Cost and Consumption by Energy Type - Performance Rating Method Compliance Proposed Design Energy Use 80,933 kWh 276,919 kBTU Energy Use Net Proposed Design Total 276,919 kBTU Percent Savings Energy Summary Data 57.7 % Energy Use Intensity Proposed Baseline Design Design (kBTU/ft) (kBTU/ft) 186.47 440.66 Baseline Design Energy Use 191,840 kWh 654,558 kBTU

Energy Type Electric Subtotal (Model Outputs)

CONCLUSION: In conclusion, chilled beams are becoming more popular. They provide many operational and design advantages, as discussed. By decoupling the ventilation loads from the zone sensible and latent loads, the terminals are designed to handle lower total airflow quantities, thereby using smaller equipment while resulting in uniform air distribution, high air-change rates and uniform temperatures in the zone with fewer drafts. It is important to account for the zone latent loads in design considerations and to ensure proper sizing of the DOAS including the ventilation air loads plus the zone latent loads, while the chilled beams are sized to handle the zone sensible loads only. Although they are not the solution for every space within commercial and institutional buildings, the strengths of active chilled beams are becoming a more useful tool to handle challenging spaces in todays high performance buildings. REFERENCES 1) Design Considerations for Active Chilled Beams. By Darren Alexander,P.Eng. And Mike ORourke ASHRAE Journal, September 2008 2) REHVA Guidebook No 5, Chilled Beam Application Guidebook Maija Virta (ed.), David Butler, Jonas Grslund, Jaap Hogeling, Erik Lund Kristiansen, Mika Reinikainen, Gunnar Svensson. 3) Sevcon Price Chilled Beam. PTP (Price Training Programs). Hydronic Heating/Cooling Systems 4) Engineered Systems January 2011 , (Page 30 ~36) Practical Implementation Of Chilled Beams For Offices. BY PETER RUMSEY, P.E., FASHRAE, AND JOHN WEALE, P.E., LEED AP 5) Chilled Beams for User Wellbeing and Sustainable Buildings. Halton 6) Chilled Beam systems as a new HVAC possibility By, Muzaffar Ali and Vishal Chauhan 7) http://www.activechilledbeam.com. 8) P.S.Joanna, Jessy Rooby, Angeline Prabhavathy, R.Preetha and C.Sivathanu Pillai, Behaviour Of Reinforced Concrete Beams With 50 Percentage Fly Ash International Journal Of Civil Engineering & Technology (IJCIET) Volume 4, Issue 2,2013, Issn Print : 0976 6308, Issn Online : 0976 - 6316

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